Unit Designed by Ginger A.

 

This unit is designed for use in the lower elementary grades. Extensions are listed at the end of the unit that are suitable for older students.

 

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Language Arts

 

1. Oral language development
What is a brand? Why is a brand necessary? Brands started when cattle from different ranchesherded together on goverment land. When the cowboys needed their cattle, they sorted them by brand.

Design your own brand. Explain the meaning of the chosen symbols. Draw and color in your brand on white paper using fabric crayons. “Brand” the design on a white handkerchief using a hot iron. [Child can help press the iron down or parent can complete this step]

Note: Use the handkerchief as a decoration. Fabric crayons are labeled washable but our designs have always faded.

You can also let your student brand the cattle on this page by using a rubber stamp.  If you want, give your student a special stamp for one cow that can be HIS cow.  He will be able to tell the difference because the brand will be different than the other 8.    You could also make a matching game using the cattle.  Print two copies on cardstock and brand them in pairs (give each pair the same brand).  Turn the cards over and play memory! 

 

2. Descriptive language

Print two pictures of the cowboy boot  (or draw two boots).

Harmony Jean has a new pair of custom-made cowboy boots. What does custom-made mean? Read aloud the description of Harmony Jean’s boots. [The page begins “Curious as always, Bo…]

Activities

1. Child will describe a custom-made design for the first cowboy boot picture. The parent should complete the picture according to the child’s description. Show the completed picture to your child. Does it look the way he had planned? If not discuss why.
2. Complete the above mentioned activity but parent and child should trade places. Did the child listen and follow your design? Don’t look at the art skill but rather the attempt to create the design to your specifications.

3.  Rodeo Vocabulary

Bronco:  A range pony or mustang of the western U.S., especially one that is not broken 

Steer:  to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc.; a male bovine that is castrated before sexual 
maturity, esp. one raised for beef

Rodeo: a public exhibition of cowboy skills, as bronco riding and calf roping. 

Chaps:  full-length leather leggings worn over pants to protect legs.
Cattle Drive:  the act of moving a herd of cattle from one place to another
Stampede:  a wild rush or flight of frightened animals
Lariat:  long rope with a loop at one end used to capture cows and horses

Bandana:  large and brightly colored handkerchief; often used as a neckerchief

Roundup:  process of collecting cattle and leading them to the ranch.
Ranch:  an establishment maintained for raising livestock


Prepared Vocabulary Notebook Pages (you will need to print multiple copies of the first page; you may want to skip one word, 
so you will have nine words for a total of three notebooking pages).  Your student may draw pictures instead of using the 
prepared clips if he desires. 
 

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Math
 

Harmony Jean has a new pair of cowboy boots. How many is a pair? Why would two items be considered a pair? Gather several pairs of shoes from each family member. The child should arrange the pairs of shoes into a line. Ask the following questions. The parent can make up other appropriate questions.

1. How many pairs of shoes do you see?
2. How many shoes all together?
3. How many pairs of sneakers are in the line?
4. How many pairs of boots?
5. How many pairs of shoes are left after mom puts her shoes in the closet?
6. Are there more leather or canvas shoes?
7. How many ways can these shoes be categorized? 

Measurement [approximate and exact]

In this activity we will explore ways to measure the length of a room.

1. Give the child one of your shoes and one of his. Tell the child to measure the room using his shoe. Record the number of shoe lengths for his room.
2. Tell the child to measure the room using your shoe. Record the number of shoe lengths for the room.
3. Compare the results. Why are the results different? Are both measurements correct?
4. Give the child a wooden 12” ruler. Tell him to measure his room using the ruler. How many ruler lengths? [no need to add the inches for this activity] Record the results.
5. Give the child a colorful 12” plastic ruler [or any ruler that looks very different from the first one] Tell the child to measure the room using the plastic ruler. Record the results.
6. Compare the last two measurements. Why are they the same?
7. Discuss why a standard system of measurement is important. When is an approximate or nonstandard measurement appropriate?

Counting

 

Counting Tumbleweeds

10 little tumbleweeds by the corral gate,

The wind whooshed two away, and then there were 8

Eight little tumbleweeds said,”Oh! Fiddlesticks!”

“We may as well dance with the wind.” Then there were 6

Six little tumbleweeds went out to explore;

Along came a whirlwind and then there were 4

Four little tumbleweeds admiring the view; Then came a gentle breeze; so there were 2

Two little tumbleweeds: round and round they spun

Until they were out of sight; then there were none!
--author unknown

 

Print a copy of the poem for the child. Read it aloud. Circle the digits. Underline the number words. Find the counting pattern used. Try to count forward and backwards by twos.

 

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Cooking

 

Tumbleweeds [I know these are really haystacks!]

1 can [12oz] salted peanuts

1 can [7 oz] potato sticks

3 cups butterscotch chips

3 T. peanut butter

Combine peanuts and potato sticks in a bowl: set aside. In a microwave, heat butterscotch chips and peanut butter at 70% power for 1-2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Add to peanut mixture; stir to coat evenly. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until set, about 5 minutes. Store in an airtight container. Yields about 4 ½  dozen.

 

Notice the use of standard and nonstandard measurements. Why?  Check into this the next time you’re in the grocery store. Show the child how to find the weight on the cans.

 

Pecos Bill’s Chili con Carne

From: Disneyland cookbook-1976

 

2 T. bacon drippings or vegetable oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

1 small bell pepper, chopped

1 [16oz.] can tomatoes, including liquid

1 [16oz] can chili beans, including liquid

1 [15 ¼ oz.] can red kidney beans, including liquid

2 t. salt

1 t. granulated sugar

2 T. vinegar

¼ t. ground black pepper

3 T. chili powder

Dash Tabasco sauce

1 pound lean ground beef

½ c. onion chopped

½ c. Cheddar cheese, grated

 

Heat 1 T. of the bacon drippings in a large frying pan and sauté garlic until golden brown. Add chopped onion and green pepper. Cover pan and cook over low heat until onion is translucent.

Meanwhile, mash canned tomatoes in own liquid in a 4 quart saucepan or Dutch oven, then add chili beans and kidney beans, including the liquid. Add salt, vinegar, pepper, chili powder, Tabasco sauce to beans and tomatoes and bring to simmer. Add sautéed garlic, onion and green pepper. Reheat frying pan and sauté beef in remaining bacon drippings, stirring with a fork to crumble, until cooked. Drain off fat and add beef to bean mixture in saucepan. Simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve in bowls topped with chopped onion and cheddar cheese. Accompany chili with saltine crackers or hot buttered tortillas.

 

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Social Studies

 
Where is Texas?

Texas Flag

Texas Facts

Outline Map of Texas

Texas State Bird- Mockingbird Activity Page

Texas State Flower- Bluebonnet Activity Page

Texas Bird/Flower Coloring Page

Locate Texas on a state map and complete the pages from kidzone. Add this information to the 50 States Booklet.

 

The Nine Banded Armadillo is the state animal of Texas. Draw an armadillo following the directions at www.janbrett.com (Learn to Draw an Armadillo)
 

Alternate Idea

Draw the armadillo on card stock and cut it out. Cut nine strips and lots of circles from a newspaper [black and white pages only] and glue into place. Add a black button or wiggle eye.

 

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Science

 

1. Buy a package of Bluebonnets. Observe then describe the picture on the seed package. Plant three seeds. Watch the seeds.  Record your observations on this Prepared Chart (i.e. sprouted today!).  Be sure to measure the plants when they start growing and to record that data as well.  You may want to place the three plants in three different areas of your home.  Do you notice any differences?   
 

Extra Reading: The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie dePaola

 

2. Read about the fascinating armadillo at  Answers in Genesis
 

Report Forms
Armadillo (with writing cues)
Armadillo (blank)
Armadillo (simple with one box for writing)
Armadillo (simple with HWOT lines)

Enchanted Learning (print-out to color with facts)
 

 

3. The armadillo is unable to swim. To cross a small body of water it walks across the bottom. To cross a large body of water it fills its body with air and floats to the other side.

Activity: floating and sinking

1. Gather a variety of objects for the child to test.
2. Label a plastic box “Yes” and another box “No”
3. Fill a large plastic storage box with water.
4. The child will test each object by placing it in the water.
5. Objects that float are placed in the “Yes” box.
6. Objects that sink are placed in the “No” box.
7. Compare/contrast the objects in the two boxes.
8. Experiment and find out if an object that floats can hold up an object that sinks.
   Prepared Chart to put in your Notebook

Activity: Can an inflated Ziploc bag float?

Seal a Ziploc bag forcing all the air out of it. “Air up” another Ziploc bag and seal it. Place both bags in the water. Observe the bags. Gently press the flat baggie down. What happens? Gently press the inflated baggie down. What happens? How is this similar to the armadillo? How do arm floats and swim toys float? Now pop the baggie. What happens? Why are inflated items not safe as a life-saving device?

 

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Life Skills

Sewing

Here are two simple sewing projects. The pillow is not difficult but it is time-consuming. Teach your child how to stitch a running stitch before beginning. It isn’t necessary to really practice as that is what this project is for.

 

Bandanna Pillow

Purchase two bandanna handkerchiefs. Help the child pin the edges together [right sides facing] Leave an opening for turning the pillow. Stitch the pillow together, turn and stuff. Sew the opening closed.

 

Bandanna Apron

Measure the child from hip to hip in the back and add enough to this to tie a bow. Now measure around his neck.[area where you would tie an apron] Add the measurements together and purchase that amount of grosgrain ribbon. You will also need to purchase a bandanna. Here are the steps to follow, sorry I can’t send a picture.

 

1. Lay the bandanna “diamond shape” in front of the child.

2. Fold the top point down to make a tunnel wide enough for the neck ribbon to pass through. Sew the point in place. Thread the length of neck ribbon through. Secure the ribbon in place with a stitch or button.

3. Divide the left over ribbon in half. Pin one length to the point on the left. Sew into place.

4. Pin the other length to the point on the right and sew into place.

5. Dip ribbon ends into no-fray or a similar product.

6. Now you are ready to whip up a batch of tumbleweeds.

 

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Art

 

1. Look at some paintings by C.M. Russell.

 

2.  Western Sunset

 Observe a sunset noting the colors that streak the sky. Choose appropriate watercolor paints. Fill an entire sheet of white paper with the sunset colors, making broad strokes from left to right. Allow the paint to dry. Draw a mountain, tree and cactus on black paper using a white crayon. Cut out the silhouettes (explain this term) and glue to the painting.

[This idea is adapted from a project in Discovering Great Artists by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga]

 

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Just For Fun!  A Stick Horse Rodeo
If you have several little buckaroos, have a stick horse rodeo to complete the unit!
Let the older co-op kids be rodeo clowns, announcers, helpers, etc.  Set up some garbage cans for the barrel race.  Set up a wooden "bull" for the cowboys to lasso.  Paint some flat cardboard circles brown for a cow chip toss.  Set up an area to roast hot dogs.  Bag some pop corn for snacks (etc, etc.).  Just add to the idea.  On the day of the Rodeo, have the little ones dress like cowboys and bring their stick horses.  They can participate in all the rodeo events and roast a hot dog.  The rodeo clown can pass out balloons or other small prizes after each event.  This is soooo funny!  We made a stick horse out of a monkey sock.  Family Fun magazine had an idea for using a milk carton for the head (you could also just use a store bought horse). 
 

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Activities for an older child

 

Research the differences between the three banded and nine banded armadillo. Write a paragraph about each type.

 

Create a Texas state alphabet book complete with illustrations. [example: B is for Bo the Armadillo]

 

www.easyfunschool.com has a unit on Texas with many activities to try.

 

Prepare the Pecos Bill Chili con Carne independently

 

Write a letter to Jan Brett the author of Armadillo Rodeo

 

Write a letter to the Texas state Bureau of Tourism and request a vacation planner guide

 

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Links from Jan Brett's website
Coloring Page
Armadillo Craft
Another Armadillo Craft
Don't miss this one! --Mini-Unit including all subject areas!
 

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